What does "put away childish things" mean? Introduction to the Phrase The phrase “put away childish things” appears in 1 Corinthians 13:11, where the Apostle Paul writes, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish ways.” This admonition occurs within Paul’s famous discussion of love—often referred to as the “love chapter”—where he contrasts partial, immature perspectives with full, mature understanding centered on love and spiritual maturity. Below is a comprehensive exploration of what this phrase means, including its immediate context, its place in broader scriptural teaching, and how it can be applied in our lives. Context in 1 Corinthians 13 Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to a community of believers in Corinth that struggled with divisions, immorality, and disputes about spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 1:10–12; 5:1; chapters 12–14). In chapter 13, he emphasizes that no spiritual gift has true worth unless it is exercised in love (1 Corinthians 13:1–3). 1. Love and Maturity In verses 4–7, Paul describes love as patient, kind, without envy or pride, not easily angered, and rejoicing in the truth. He then highlights that love never fails (verse 8). The contrast between the permanence of love and the temporary nature of earthly gifts sets the stage for verse 11. 2. Transition from Childlike to Mature The analogy of childhood is a rhetorical device that emphasizes the difference between incomplete (childish) ways of perceiving life and the more complete (mature) mode of living in love. The “childish ways” refer to limited or self-focused perspectives and behaviors—much like the Corinthian believers who were vying for attention through certain spiritual gifts without seeking unity or edification of one another (1 Corinthians 14:12). Meaning of the Original Greek The key phrase in Greek for “put away” (κατήργηκα, katērgēka) carries the sense of “rendering inoperative” or “making something idle.” It implies a decisive action to leave behind habits or behaviors no longer fitting for someone who has grown beyond them. 1. Maturity of Speech, Thought, and Reason Paul says he talked like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. Speech, thought, and reasoning are all aspects of one’s character and behavior. The instruction to “set aside childish ways” underscores the transformation that believers should undergo as they move toward Christlike maturity (compare also Ephesians 4:14–15). 2. Active Choice to Abandon Immaturity This verb form indicates a deliberate, ongoing decision to forsake immature approaches. It is not about condemning the natural state of childhood, but about recognizing that believers are called to grow in faith and wisdom. Contrast Between Childlike Faith and Childish Behavior Elsewhere, Scripture encourages retaining a childlike faith (Matthew 18:3) that trusts wholeheartedly in God’s sovereign goodness. However, there is a clear biblical difference between childlike humility and childISH immaturity. 1. Childlike Faith This involves trust, dependence, and genuine openness to truth and correction. Christ commends this posture because it acknowledges our need for God. 2. Childish Immaturity This pattern includes self-centeredness, shortsightedness, and an unwillingness to learn from discipline or encourage others in love. We are called to “put away childish things,” meaning behaviors and attitudes that hinder spiritual growth and Christian fellowship. Immediate Application for the Corinthian Church Paul’s instruction comes as part of correcting the church’s misuse of spiritual gifts. Some members were being boastful or dismissive of others. By calling them to “put away childish things,” Paul exhorts them to practice maturity through sacrificial love. 1. No Room for Pride Pride in one’s gifts is childish; embracing love that builds up others is mature. In verse 12, Paul compares our earthly understanding to seeing “a dim reflection as in a mirror,” indicating that full clarity will come in eternity. Until then, maturing in love is paramount. 2. Contribution to Church Unity Maturity entails recognizing that all believers contribute unique functions within the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–26). Childish bickering and rivalry must be replaced with humble unity, founded in love. Spiritual and Behavioural Dimensions “Putting away childish things” encompasses both spiritual and behavioral growth, reflecting deeper principles throughout Scripture. 1. Spiritual Growth • Sanctification: Just as a child grows physically, so believers grow spiritually toward holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3–4). • Desire for Righteousness: Hebrews 5:13–14 contrasts milk (basic teaching) with solid food (deeper wisdom). Mature believers hunger for God's word and righteousness with increasing depth. 2. Behavioral Maturity • Personal Responsibility: Childishness often avoids accountability. Mature believers accept responsibility for their actions and live in a manner “worthy of the calling” (Ephesians 4:1). • Emotional Self-Control: Childlike tantrums or impulsive reactions are replaced by patient and controlled responses (Galatians 5:22–23). Broader Scriptural Echoes Scripture consistently calls believers to growth in faith and character: 1. Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The transformed mind moves beyond childish thinking, aligning thoughts with God’s truth. “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching... Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself.” Here, Paul specifically urges believers not to remain infants in spiritual understanding. 3. James 1:22 “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, otherwise you are deceiving yourselves.” Genuine progress is marked by obedience, not just interest or talk. Historical and Cultural Insights Ancient Corinth was a major trade hub, influenced by various philosophies and cultural practices. The church in Corinth faced tension between worldly values and the gospel. The “childish” mind-set often sought status based on worldly measures like rhetoric, patronage, or personal influence. 1. A Call to Counter-Cultural Living By rejecting immature, prideful behaviors, the Corinthian believers were to stand out in a culture where social hierarchy and personal achievement were highly prized. Maturity in Christ underscores humility and service instead. 2. Manuscript Evidence Surviving manuscripts (such as papyrus fragments like P46, dated to around the late 2nd or early 3rd century) confirm the consistent transmission of 1 Corinthians, including this pivotal passage on love and maturity. This strengthens the reliability of Paul’s teachings on transforming childish conduct into mature spirituality. Practical Christian Discipleship Believers today are likewise called to “put away childish things,” which includes: 1. Examining Personal Attitudes We prayerfully reflect on our motives, ensuring we are guided by love rather than self-promotion or envy. 2. Seeking Accountability and Mentorship Growth often requires inviting the counsel of mature believers, pastors, or mentors who can gently point out areas of immaturity. 3. Serving Others Childish impulses revolve around self. A mature believer focuses on building up others, as instructed in Philippians 2:3–4. 4. Continual Dependence on God While we grow toward maturity, we also maintain a childlike faith and dependence on God, continuing in prayer and submission to His Word. Summary and Conclusion “Put away childish things” (1 Corinthians 13:11) is both a call to leave behind self-focused, spiritually shallow conduct and a summons to embrace the fullness of love in Christ. It does not eliminate the need for a childlike trust in God’s goodness, but challenges believers to mature in wisdom, unity, and the practical demonstration of love. This maturity is evidenced by shifts in our speech, thought, and reasoning—from impulsive and self-serving to reflective and others-serving. Rooted in the reliability of Scripture and guided by the Spirit, “putting away childish things” aligns our lives with God’s intention that we grow into the likeness of His Son, thereby glorifying Him in all we do. |
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